Blue Wahoos owners Quint and Rishy Studer have formally asked the City of Pensacola to lease — or potentially lease with an option to purchase — the city-owned property at 101 West Main Street in the heart of downtown. Read City_of_Pensacola_101_W_Main_Street_Letter.docx.
- Background: The site housed Pensacola Sports for 30 years until the nonprofit announced its intent to move to Pensacola State College’s campus in 2023. In 2024, the city sought letters of interest from interested developers.
In a letter dated Feb. 5 to the city’s Real Estate, Planning & Development Department, the Studers outlined their vision for a ground-level retail and experiential space anchored by Blue Wahoos merchandise but extending well beyond that. The concept would feature merchandise and memorabilia from other Pensacola sports organizations and celebrate the city’s deep history of athletes, champions and sports figures across multiple disciplines.
- “Our vision for this property is to create a vibrant ground-level destination that serves residents, visitors, and families alike,” the Studers wrote.
The space could also host limited athlete appearances and community events, giving fans a chance to meet local sports figures. A visitor-focused element highlighting Pensacola’s broader history, culture and community pride is also part of the pitch.
More background: Twenty years ago, Fred Levin talked about creating a Pensacola Sports Museum. Former County Administrator George Touart even considered placing it in the old courthouse but eventually the space went to the Artel Gallery. During the Community Maritime Park debate, there were several discussions about putting the museum in the park.
Since the park referendum, the Studers have been among the most aggressive investors in downtown Pensacola over the past two decades. Their portfolio includes the Blue Wahoos stadium at the Community Maritime Park, multiple commercial properties and various community initiatives aimed at boosting downtown vitality.
- The 101 West Main Street property sits in a prime location for foot traffic to and from the stadium. Activating it with a retail concept could help fill a gap in street-level energy that city leaders have long identified as a priority for downtown. The Studers framed their interest as aligned with the city’s stated goals for putting publicly owned real estate to productive use.
What remains to be seen is how the city will handle the proposal. The letter doesn’t specify a proposed rent amount, lease duration or purchase price — those details would come during negotiations with city staff and ultimately require City Council approval…